Crushable filter for an electronic cigarette

ABSTRACT

A vaporizing device has an aperture for a removably attachable crushable filter, allowing a user the ability to add filters and flavors to vaporizing devices without changing the e-liquid. A removably attachable adapter may be used to couple the removably attachable crushable filter to a variety of existing vaporizing devices.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/880,728, filed on Jul. 31, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an electronic cigarette filter. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a crushable filter in numerous forms that is couplable to, or integrated with, an electronic cigarette.

BACKGROUND

Smoking a cigarette has been a common thing for hundreds of years. It wasn't until the early 1900s that an individual decided to create a filter for a cigarette using crepe paper. At first, these crepe paper filters were thought to reduce tar and nicotine intake; however, studies showed that the filters were not reducing as much as was first thought. It wasn't until the 1960's that filters were considered to be safer and actually reduce the amount of tar and nicotine that entered the body. This led to many manufacturers placing filters on their cigarettes. In fact, production of cigarette filters rose from 0.5% in 1950 to 87.7% by 1975.

Since this time, the electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) was invented, allowing individuals to continue smoking with or without the consumption of tobacco. E-cigarettes provide nicotine through a chemical solution, also known as “e-liquid.” Removing the tobacco and smoke makes e-cigarettes appealing. However, many users are accustomed to, and enjoy, the taste of tobacco. In addition, some users like various flavors added to the traditional tobacco taste. The e-cigarette industry has addressed this issue by creating numerous flavors for e-liquid, such as tobacco, peppermint, coffee, etc. However, this forces a user to add a specific liquid to their e-cigarette device and forces the user to continuously use the same flavor until the liquid runs out. Further, adding the e-liquid can be a frustrating process that is messy and time consuming.

E-cigarettes are typically a healthier choice than traditional cigarettes. Traditional cigarettes, even with a filter, have caused many health concerns around the world. Recently, the FDA has claimed that some e-liquids contain the same carcinogens and chemicals that are found in traditional cigarettes. These carcinogens have been linked to causing cancer and a variety of other health issues. Further, some of the chemicals found in e-liquid have been found to cause inflammation in a user's respiratory system, which may lead to bronchitis and/or heart disease. In spite of the information presented above, many e-cigarettes are deemed to be safe, so they lack a filter that can remove these harmful chemicals. Accordingly, there is a need for an e-cigarette with removable filters that not only add flavor and enjoyment to the smoking experience, but protect the user from these harmful chemicals.

Furthermore, there is a need for an apparatus, system, and method of producing user-selected flavors to an e-cigarette without changing the e-liquid. Further, there is a need to filter e-cigarettes to reduce or eliminate the amount of oils and water inhaled by a user.

SUMMARY OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

In one embodiment, a vaporizing device comprises a removably attachable crushable filter, an e-juice pod, airflow chamber, silicone seal, heating coil, a heating coil cover, an o-ring, atomizer base, a magnetic connection, an airflow controller film, a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), a battery, and a battery housing. The vaporizing device comprises a filter aperture for receiving and holding the crushable filter during use. The removably attachable crushable filter may comprise a flavor capsule, and a variety of internal matrices to provide filtration.

In one embodiment, a vaporizing device comprises a removably attachable adapter. The removably attachable adapter can be quickly attached and detached from the vaporizing device. The removably attachable adapter comprises a first aperture for coupling to the vaporizing device and a second aperture to couple to a crushable filter. The crushable filter may have a flavor capsule therein. The vaporizing device may further comprise an e-juice pod, airflow chamber, silicone seal, heating coil, a heating coil cover, an o-ring, atomizer base, a magnetic connection, an airflow controller film, a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), a battery, and a battery housing.

In one embodiment, a vaporizing device comprises an adapter portion and a charging portion. The adapter portion comprises a removably attachable filter, a removably attachable adapter, an air tube, a seal ring, a heater, and a decoration ring. The charging portion comprises a LED light position, charger port, battery, PCBA, and a battery housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective, cutaway view of a crushable filter coupled to a vaporizing device;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a crushable filter with one flavor capsule;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a crushable filter with two flavor capsules;

FIG. 4 illustrates a front perspective view of a variety of crushable filters with flavor capsules;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective, cutaway view of a removably attachable adapter with a crushable filter coupled to a vaporizing device;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective, cutaway view of a removably attachable adapter and crushable filter;

FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective, cutaway view of a removably attachable adapter and a removably attachable filter;

FIG. 7B illustrates a perspective, cutaway view of a removably attachable adapter coupled to a vaporizing device; and

FIG. 7C illustrates a perspective, cutaway view of a removably attachable adapter detached from a vaporizing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The following descriptions depict only example embodiments and are not to be considered limiting in scope. Any reference herein to “the invention” is not intended to restrict or limit the invention to exact features or steps of any one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the present specification. References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “various embodiments,” and the like, may indicate that the embodiment(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Unless otherwise expressly defined herein, such terms are intended to be given their broad, ordinary, and customary meaning not inconsistent with that applicable in the relevant industry and without restriction to any specific embodiment hereinafter described. As used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more items. When used herein to join a list of items, the term “or” denotes at least one of the items, but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. For exemplary methods or processes, the sequence and/or arrangement of steps described herein are illustrative and not restrictive.

It should be understood that the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence, arrangement, or with any particular graphics or interface. Indeed, the steps of the disclosed processes or methods generally may be carried out in various sequences and arrangements while still falling within the scope of the present invention.

The term “coupled” may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical contact. However, “coupled” may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still cooperate or interact with each other.

The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like, as used with respect to embodiments, are synonymous, and are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including, but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes, but is not limited to,” etc.).

As discussed earlier, there is a need for a replaceable and crushable e-cigarette filter which can protect a user and add a variety of components, such as flavor beads, to enhance the e-cigarette experience. The present disclosure seeks to solve these and other problems.

In one embodiment, a vaporizing device 100 (e.g., e-cigarette), as best shown in FIG. 1, comprises a removably attachable crushable filter 102 coupled to an atomizer 101 which may comprise an e-juice pod 104, airflow chamber 106, silicone seal 108, heating coil 110, a heating coil cover 112, an o-ring 114, atomizer base 116, a pole 117, a magnetic connection 118, an airflow controller film 120, a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 122, a battery 124 (e.g., lithium ion battery), and a battery housing 126. The removably attachable crushable filter 102 is coupled to the atomizer 101 using a filter aperture 128 in the atomizer 101. The filter aperture 128 may be circular, oval, or of varying sizes to accommodate a variety of crushable filters. While the crushable filter 102 may be tubular, it may also be non-tubular (e.g., rectangular or other formfactors). It will be appreciated that the filter aperture 128 can receive all types of filters 102, as shown in FIG. 4, such as flavor filters or carbon filters with flavor, or other filters as long as they are capable of mating with the filter aperture 128. Further, the removably attachable crushable filter 102 may comprise at least one flavor capsule 130. The filter 102 may be coupled to the e-juice pod 104 using tension (e.g., the filter aperture 128 is slightly smaller in diameter than the filter 102, which, when applying force to the filter 102 allows it to enter the aperture 128 and remain secured therein using tension until removed by a user applying opposite force), twist and lock, threaded couplers, or other methods that would effectively couple the filter 102 to the e-juice pod 104 for use. For example, a user could have an e-juice pod 104 comprising a first flavor (e.g., tobacco) and then insert a filter 102 comprising a flavor capsule 130 (e.g., mint) that allows the user to bite the exterior of the filter 102, thereby crushing the flavor capsule 130, releasing the flavor into the filter 102 and providing the scent/flavor to the user. It should be noted that the e-juice pod 130 does not require a first flavor and may be flavorless.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2-4, at least one flavor capsule 130 is located within the removably attachable crushable filter 102. The removably attachable crushable filter 102 may be made of an oil-proof paper, which prevents the at least one flavor capsule 130 from discoloring or ruining the flavor of the removably attachable crushable filter 102. To release the contents of the flavor capsule 130, a user bites down on the removably attachable crushable filter 102 where the flavor capsule 130 is located, releasing the contents of the flavor capsule 130 within the filter 102. As a user inhales, the scent/flavor from the filter 102 is also inhaled. The flavor capsule 130 may comprise numerous flavors and/or scents, and the flavors provide fresher breath and reduce odor. For example, the flavor capsule 130 may comprise mint flavoring, menthol, cinnamon, or other scents and flavors. As appreciated, once the removably attachable crushable filter 102 has been used by a user, the user may easily remove the crushable filter 102 by exerting an outward force on the removably attachable crushable filter 102, thereby releasing it from the filter aperture 128. A user may then insert another removably attachable crushable filter 102, which may or may not include a flavor capsule 130, of their choice.

In one embodiment, the removably attachable crushable filter 102 further comprises an impermeable outer layer 132 and an inner layer 133. The removably attachable crushable filter 102 may have a first end 134 and a second end 136. The first end 134 being coupled to the vaporizing device 100, the second end 136 for insertion into a user's mouth. Further, the removably attachable crushable filter 102 includes inner components 138, such as an internal matrix 140, which may be a crimped cellulose acetate; however, it should be understood that any other internal matrix known in the art may be used.

Referring to FIGS. 5-6, in one embodiment, a vaporizing device 200 may comprise an atomizer 201 and a removably attachable adapter 202. The atomizer 201 may comprise an e-juice pod 204, airflow chamber 206, silicone seal 208, heating coil 210, a heating coil cover 212, an o-ring 214, a pole 215, an atomizer base 216, a magnetic connection 218, an airflow controller film 220, a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 222, a battery 224, a battery housing 226, and a charging aperture 229. The removably attachable adapter 202 can be quickly attached and detached from the atomizer 201. Referring to FIG. 6, the removably attachable adapter 202 comprises a first aperture 228 for coupling to the atomizer 201 and a second aperture 230 for receiving the removably attachable crushable filter 102. When a atomizer 201 is inserted into the first aperture 204, it does not proceed through the entirety of the removably attachable adapter 202 due to the transition to a smaller inside diameter of the second aperture 230. The removably attachable adapter 202 allows the removably attachable crushable filter 102 to be held in a secure position and to be used with various vaporizing devices or atomizers. The removably attachable adapter 202 secures a large portion of the inserted removably attachable crushable filter 102 so as to prevent the removably attachable crushable filter 102 from bending, folding, or falling out. It will be appreciated that the removably attachable adapter 202 may come in varying lengths. Accordingly, the second aperture 230 may receive a majority of the removably attachable crushable filter 102 or only a small portion. For example, the removably attachable adapter 202 may be a longer length to receive and secure a majority of the removably attachable crushable filter 102. In an alternate embodiment, the removably attachable adapter 202 may be short in length, securing only a minimal portion of the removably attachable crushable filter 102. The filter 102 may be secured, removed, and replaced as described earlier herein. Both the adapter 202 and the filter 102 may be secured using tension, threads, twist and lock features, tongue and groove, or other coupling means. Further, in one embodiment, the removably attachable adapter 202 may open longitudinally, with one or more hinges allowing the adapter 202 to pivot open, receive the vaporizing device 200, and then close around the vaporizing device 200.

It will be appreciated that the removably attachable adapter 202 may have a formfactor that complements the vaporizing device or atomizer being used. Likewise, while the removably attachable crushable filter 102 is illustrated as tubular, it will be appreciated that the removably attachable crushable filter 102 can be of varying sizes and shapes, including non-tubular. Accordingly, the removably attachable adapter 202 may complement the shape of the crushable filter 102 as well.

As discussed earlier, the removably attachable crushable filter 102 may have a flavor capsule 130 therein. In an alternate embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7A-7C and discussed later herein, a flavored thread/material 301 provides the user the desired flavor in a filter 306 without having to crush a flavor capsule. The flavor thread 301 gives a similar effect as crushing a flavor capsule. In yet another embodiment, no flavor is required, and the user benefits from the filter alone. It will be understood that the second aperture 230 may come in a variety of formfactors so that it can receive any filter, whether disposable, crushable, or non-disposable. In one embodiment, a removably attachable filter is non-crushable. For example, the removably attachable filter is comprised of metal or plastic and can be inserted into the second aperture 230. The removably attachable filter would be able to be reused by a user, having the same qualities and filtration as a removably attachable crushable filter 102.

As mentioned, the vaporizing device 200 can come in a variety of configurations and formfactors, such as an oval shape, a round shape, or any other desired shape. Accordingly, the removably attachable adapter 202 may also take on a variety of configurations so as to couple to the configuration of the vaporizing device 200, as mentioned above. It will further be appreciated that the removably attachable adapter 202 can be made from numerous materials so as to be repeatedly used, such as wood, metal, plastic, etc. The removably attachable adapter 202 may also be disposable with every removably attachable crushable filter 102 that is used.

In an one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7A-7C, a vaporizing device 300 comprises an adapter portion 302 and a charging portion 304. The adapter portion 302 comprises a removably attachable filter 306, a removably attachable adapter 308, an air tube 310, a seal ring 312, a heater 314, and a decoration ring 316. The charging portion 304 comprises a LED light position 318, charger port 320, battery 322, PCBA 324, silicone 325, and a battery housing 326. The removably attachable adapter 308 may comprise a first aperture 328 and a second aperture 330. The first aperture 328 may receive the charging portion 304, while the second aperture 330 may receive the removably attachable filter 306. The filter 306 need not have a flavor bead/capsule as mentioned in prior embodiments, and may, instead, comprise a flavored thread/material 301. As appreciated, a user does not need to crush the filter to release flavor in such a scenario. However, flavor beads/capsule 130 may likewise be used in this embodiment and the filter 306 without the flavor bead may be used in the embodiments described earlier herein. While the vaporizing device 100, 200, 300 discloses specific components, such as an air tube, a seal ring, a heater, and a decoration ring, a LED light position, charger port, battery, PCBA, silicone, etc., such components are not required. Indeed, the filters 102, 306 may be used with various vaporizing devices. In addition, the adapter 202 may be configured to fit a variety of pre-existing vaporizers, allowing the adapter 202 and filter 102 to be used with current vaporizers in the art. It will be appreciated that the first aperture 228 may be configured to fit around current devices and may be secured thereto using tension, adhesive, or other securing/coupling means. As shown in FIG. 7A, an adapter 308 may also have a tongue 329 for fitting with a complementary groove for securing/coupling, which may also be used on other embodiments disclosed herein.

It will be appreciated that the removably attachable adapter 202, 308 is an advancement over the prior art due to the fact that a user may be able to use various types of crushable, non-crushable, or disposable filters by simply replacing an old filter and inserting a new one. In the prior art, a user would have to smoke a traditional cigarette and then get a new cigarette, or a user would have to hassle with injecting a desired liquid into an e-cigarette or replacing the e-liquid each time a variation of flavor is desired. With the removably attachable crushable filters 102, 306, a user is able to enjoy numerous filters and flavors while using the same vaporizing device.

Accordingly, it will be appreciated from the forgoing vaporizing device with the crushable filter and the removably attachable adapter for coupling filters to an e-cigarette solve the need for a replaceable and crushable e-cigarette filter which can protect a user and add a variety of components, such as flavor capsules, to enhance the e-cigarette experience.

Exemplary embodiments are described above. No element, act, or instruction used in this description should be construed as important, necessary, critical, or essential unless explicitly described as such. Although only a few of the exemplary embodiments have been described in detail herein, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in these exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages herein. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A vaporizing device comprising: an atomizer having a filter aperture; and a removably attachable filter coupleable to the filter aperture, the removably attachable filter comprising: an outer layer, an internal layer, an internal matrix, and a flavor capsule.
 2. The vaporizing device of claim 1, wherein the outer layer comprises an impermeable material.
 3. The vaporizing device of claim 1, wherein the internal matrix comprises a crimped cellulose acetate.
 4. The vaporizing device of claim 1, wherein the removably attachable filter comprises a first end and a second end, with the first end being coupleable to the vaporizing device and the second end being insertable into a user's mouth, the first end being larger in diameter than the filter aperture which allows the filter to be secured therein using tension.
 5. The vaporizing device of claim 1, wherein the removably attachable filter comprises carbon.
 6. A vaporizing device comprising: a removably attachable adapter for coupling to an atomizer, the adapter comprising a first aperture for receiving the atomizer and a second aperture for receiving a removably attachable filter; the removably attachable filter comprising: an impermeable outer layer, an inner layer, an internal matrix, and a flavor capsule.
 7. The vaporizing device of claim 6, wherein the removably attachable filter is coupled to the removably attachable adapter via tension.
 8. The vaporizing device of claim 6, wherein the removably attachable adapter is coupled to the atomizer via a tongue.
 9. The vaporizing device of claim 6, wherein the internal matrix is a crimped cellulose acetate. 